During our lifetime, problems related to the ears and hearing will be a part of most of our lives in one way or another. Whether it be a personal hearing loss, someone we know who doesn’t hear too well or a child who has a history of middle ear problems, issues related to the ears are far more common than we acknowledge. In fact, hearing loss or problems related to hearing effect 1 in 6 Australians; and it doesn’t necessarily need to be age related. People of all ages can experience hearing related problems, it all depends on the individual’s history. The important thing is to do something about it as soon as you are aware of it to keep the auditory cortex (hearing part of the brain) functioning as well as it can again.

In Children:

• Middle ear infections or Glue Ear / Chronic Otitis Media – Approximately 80% of children aged between 24-48 months will suffer from middle ear infections or glue ear
• Central Auditory Processing Disorder
• Family history of hearing loss
• Congenital defects
• Various Syndromes
• Excessive noise exposure

In Adults:

• Excessive noise exposure – whether this be industrial (factory or machine noise) or recreational (concerts, over use of personal listening systems, tools etc.)
• Family history
• Growths in the middle or inner ear
• Congenital
• Ototoxic drugs / medication
• Disease related
• Middle or Outer ear problems such as Otitis Media (“Glue Ear”), middle ear infections, Otosclerosis, Exostoses or perforations of the ear drum
• Age related
• Central Auditory Processing Disorder